Reducing the number of conflicting intersections is intended to improve traffic safety between Williston and Trenton.

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) – The traffic light at the Trenton turnoff west of Williston has been replaced with several different left turn lanes. It’s called a “Reduced Conflict Intersection,” which officials say limits the number of serious crashes.

The decision to modify the highway came after a 2019 traffic study and a public meeting in March 2022.

Those on a side street who want to turn left will have to first go right and turn around in one of the many turn lanes designed on US-2. Bill Gutman, assistant engineer for NDDOT’s Williston District, said this minimizes the chance of getting into a T-bone accident.

“A traditional intersection has about 34 conflict points. There are about 14 of them at the new intersection, so it’s a lot safer,” Gutman said.

For most people traveling between Williston and Trenton, the only change is that they no longer wait for turn signals. Drivers who will need to turn around will be those who live north and west of the curve, as well as anyone on Highway 1804 who needs to turn left at the curve.

“Probably 97% of the traffic in this area will not change. The movement will continue as before,” Gatman said.

Gatman said he believes the left-turn lane at the Trenton turnoff is long enough that there won’t be much congestion, and the turnaround roads are designed to provide enough room for even the largest oilfield trucks.

The project also includes additional lighting infrastructure, which should be installed by the end of the year.

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